Avalanche — West Elk And Sawatch Mountains, Colorado
February 16, 2019 · NOAA Storm Events record
Direct deaths
2
Direct injuries
0
Property damage
—
Area
West Elk And Sawatch Mountains
Event narrative (NOAA)
A pair of back country skiers were skinning up a steep mountain after a recent winter storm brought 1 to 2 feet of new snow to the area. The new snow fell on top of an unstable snow pack from earlier winter storms. The skiers were apparently together in the middle of the slope when the avalanche released. They were carried down an open 37 degree slope and were buried in approximately five feet of snow and debris. Neither skier survived.
Other notable avalanche events in Colorado
S & Se Grand / W Central & Sw Boulder / Gilpin / Clear Creek / Summit / N & W Park Counties Above 9000 Feet · April 20, 20135 killedWest Elk And Sawatch Mountains/Taylor Park / W Lake / W Chaffee / Wc To Ec Gunnison · February 6, 19993 killedNorthwestern San Juan Mountains · February 1, 20213 killedGore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys · March 13, 20072 killedS & E Jackson / Larimer / N & Ne Grand / Nw Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet · January 1, 20062 killedGore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys · March 17, 20002 killed
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.